Ryan: Go with the patch corners NOW is the time to do it. From past post you are taking a lot of pride in your project. Do IT. Now for the cracks I don't know to much. My 59 is clean except the roof has one HUGE crack can't figure it out.
Project for fall and winter is to start on cab, sitting on roll around now. I do not know much about body work but got a couple of buddies that do. So craash course 101 I'm ready. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Do it right the first time sounds like your papa doesn't it)